The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) match between the Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes was abandoned today at Karen Rolton Oval in Adelaide due to a significant issue with the pitch. The incident occurred during the innings break when a stray cricket ball inadvertently rolled onto the pitch while a heavy roller was in use, creating an irreparable hole in the surface.
According to WBBL regulations, the pitch was being rolled during the break. A ball from a nearby warm-up session ended up under the roller, which then pressed it into the pitch, resulting in a ball-shaped hole.
In an official statement released via Instagram, the Adelaide Strikers conveyed, “The match between the Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes has been abandoned at Karen Rolton Oval. During the innings break, while teams were warming up, a ball was inadvertently rolled onto the pitch while the roller was being used. The ball went beneath the roller creating a hole in the pitch.”
Due to the material alteration in pitch conditions, consultations were held between the match referee and umpires. They deemed it unreasonable to require the Hurricanes to bat under significantly different conditions compared to those experienced by the Strikers. Both team captains agreed with this decision.
Prior to the abandonment, the Strikers had made 167 runs for the loss of four wickets in their 20 overs after losing the toss. Madeline Penna led the scoring with an unbeaten 63 runs, while Bridget Patterson contributed a quick 24 runs off just 12 balls. On the bowling side, Nat Sciver-Brunt performed well, conceding only 22 runs and taking one wicket over four overs.
